HCM City ’s VN-Index passed the 500-point psychological mark on Jan .19, which analysts said had fuelled investor interest in secuties trading.

The VN-Index on Jan. 19 climbed pass 500 for the first time since August 2010 to end the session at 505.91 points, a rise of 1.7 percent.

Trading volume was maintained on Jan. 19 at 42.9 million shares, totalling more than 1.1 trillion VND (52.4 million USD) in value.

As many as 17 stocks matched their ceiling prices, with the biggest riser Bao Viet Holding (BVH) putting on 4,500 VND. Following were Masan Group (MSN) up 4,000 VND, Dry Cell & Storage Battery Co (PAC) up 2,500 VND and Phu My Fertiliser (DPM) up 1,900 VND.

Sacombank Securities’ analyst said the VN_Index surpassing 500 and the positive performance of BVH and MSN would likely help create a technical long –term recovery.

Hence, confidence might strengthen, they said.

In Hanoi , the HNX-Index fell for the second day, edging down by 0.18 percent to 107.27 points. Losers outnumbered gainers by 173-96.

The volume of the northern bourse was low at 22.8 million shares, worth 434.4 billion VND (20.7 million USD)./.